World War II airman's jacket of Master Sgt. Manly S. Blackman, who was assigned to the 376th Heavy Bombardment Group in Tunisia. Blackman was taken as a prisoner of war and held at Stalag-17 near Krems, Austria, from where he was liberated in May 1945. The jacket is size 35L, and it is adorned on the left breast with ribbon bars (one with a service star) and USAF air crew pilot's wings. The right breast features a blue bar ribbon with two bronze oak leaf clusters. The sleeves have chevron rank patches as well as embroidered shoulder patches for the 9th Air Force and 15th Air Force. Includes a 1943 document filled out in type, appointing Blackman as staff sergeant, authorized by Keith K. Compton. In fine condition. The story of the American airmen held near Krems inspired the 1953 comedy-drama war film Stalag 17, which starred William Holden in an Osar-winning role.
